Negombo

Located a little less than 40kms from the heart of the commercial capital, Negombo welcomes people looking for sun, sand and seafood. With a variety of tourist hotspots, from boutique resorts to star class luxury, the traditional fishing town has now become a popular coastal destination. It is also known as “Little Rome” due to the large population of Portuguese descent and the surrounding Roman Catholic churches.
Negombo is situated in the mouth of a lagoon which is notably the most scenic landmarks in the area. With the surrounding mangroves, known as the Muthurajawela wetlands, this marshy area is a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. One of the sources connecting to the lagoon is the Dutch Canal, a legacy left from the 1600s. The canal was used during a time when the demand for spices, especially Ceylonese cinnamon, was at its peak. Another testament of the Dutch rule is the Negombo Fort which lays in ruins at present. The site of the grounds is now the location of a prison, which is still in operation.